1.

Introduction

 Give an overview of the case or the problem

Facts of the case

 Personae (persons involved in the case)

1. Patients
 Identify the patient
 Present the pertinent information regarding the patient such as age, sex,
condition or sickness, decision and competence of the patient.

1. Relatives
 Identify the family members, husband, wife, parents, or the surrogate
 Discuss briefly their participation in the case, the decision they have regarding
the ethical issue.

1. Health Care Provider

 Identify the Doctor or the Nurse
 Tell something about their background and their participation in the case.
 What are the options?

 Setting
 Determine the context of the case if it happened in a local or foreign setting.
 If the particular place is given, specify it.
 Summary
 Summarize the scenario of the case.
 Definition of terms
 Define medical terms or concepts used in the case
 Ethical Issue
 What is the dilemma in the case? Or what is the problem?

2 . Analysis

 Consider the ethical issue and establish the options.

 What are the analyses considering the pros and cons / advantage and
disadvantages of certain alternative courses of action?

1. Resolution

 After analyzing, come up with the decision regarding the ethical issue
 2. Substantiation

 This covers the discussion of the resolution or decision made. This highlights the
different ethical theories/concepts/principles that support the established decision
regarding the case. Theories and principles should be discussed in accordance to
the case or as it supports the decision made.

 Appendix
 References

SAMPLE CASE

Case Presentation

1. Introduction

One of the important principles in the physician/provider-patient relationship is

confidentiality. This establishes the trust between the physician /provider and the
patient. Although confidentiality is ideal, it may not be absolute. Under what conditions
can we say that it is right for us to accept confidentiality? And, under what conditions
can we be justified to breach confidentiality? This is a concern in the hospital setting
that doctor or nurses would end up experiencing the ethical dilemma.

The case of Mark exemplifies the problem concerning confidentiality. What is the right
decision to be counted? This ethical dilemma will be discussed, analyzed and resolved
in this case study.

1. Facts of the Case

1. Personae
2. Patient
Mark - 28 years old and newly wed. He is suffering from HIV positivity and is requesting
that his condition be confidential.

2. Relative

Wife (give information about the wife and her participation or  decision)

3. Health Care Provider

Doctor – a close friend of Mark

1. Setting

The case happened in a hospital setting.

1. Summary

Mark is 28 years old and newly wed. He is processing his papers for his new job and he
is required to submit a medical certificate. The Doctor who consulted him happened to
be his close friend. After the laboratory tests conducted, it appeared that Mark is
diagnosed positive with HIV.  He asked his friend to make this issue be kept confidential
and assured his willingness to undergo whatever treatment.

1. Definition of terms

Note: enumerate and define the terms in the case

1. HIV+ …….

 Ethical Issue

Whether to respect the decision of the patient and not to inform about his condition or to
disregard it?
 

1. Analysis

Option A: Respecting the decision of the patient

 We respect the autonomy of the patient to decide concerning his condition

 We respect the concept of confidentially and assure that the reputation of the
patient is secured.
 Veracity is violated
 (you can analyze further and discuss the advantages and disadvantaged of the
option.)

Option B: Disregarding the decision of the patient

 We respect the right of the people concerned, particularly the wife to know the
truth.
 The principle of non-maleficence is recognized as we avoid further harm that is
possibly given to the wife.
 Veracity is established
 (You can analyze further and discuss the advantages and disadvantaged of the
option.)

1. Resolution

After considering and weighing the possible alternative courses of action, I/ we have
decided as a group to disregard the decision of the patient. (note: just clearly state your
decision and no need to explain further. Justification or explanation is given emphasis in
the Substantiation)

1. Substantiation

The patient’s decision concerns the principle of confidentiality is this important in the
physician/provider-patient relationship. Respecting the autonomy of the patient is in a
way beneficial for the patient. However, autonomy is neither something absolute nor
confidentiality given that there are substantial justifications for it. Confidentiality is
indeed ideal but not absolute. One of the conditions that strongly justify us in violating
confidentiality is the nature of the condition and the substantial harm that goes along
with it. In the decision of the patient, though it may be beneficial for him not to let others
know about his case, non-maleficence and paternalism would justify us with our
intention to avoid the probable harm, particularly the wife. It is the right of the wife to
know and veracity tells us to do so. Harm given to the wife can be avoided or further
harm can be address if given that the wife is already affected with the disease.
Disregarding the decision of the patient does not imply that we have to divulge the
information to all people but only those concerned and those possibly affected by it,
such as the wife.

Note: Use the principles that will justify your decision as shown above.  

 Appendix

Note: Include here the additional research you have gathered regarding the case. This
may include the articles or discussions taken from the books, journals, downloaded files
in the internet and other references. This can be used as a reference during the
deliberation and discussion which can just be simply cited if needed.

 Bibliography

            Note: Cite the references used in the case study. 

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